Presto or All American Pressure Canners, which is best?

My video review and comparison of the two pressure canners that I own. What do you prefer? The All American or the Presto? Video notes are included below the video.

Video Notes

Similarities

Both have safety features, like the rubber overpressure
plug.

Both come in a variety of sizes that you might want. Mine will hold 7 quart jars or 18 pint jars. Pints can be double layered. There are even larger canners that hold 14
quart jars. These are very tall. Be sure you measure the area above your stove
so you know you have room.

Both have the same type of rack. Flat with holes that allow water to flow
around your jars and keeps the jars off the bottom.

Differences.

Presto has a rubber gasket inside the rim of the lid. This gasket seals the lid to the body and
allows pressure to build inside the canner.
The gasket may need to be replaced every so often. Mine lasted for years and years.

All American has no gasket. It seals metal to metal. There are handles around the lid to screw the
lid to the body of the canner. It has
been reported that the lid will sometimes ‘stick’. This is easily solved by lubricating the lid
with a bit of oil.

Dial Gauge vs weighted gauge.

The Presto Pressure canner is a dial gauge. You will watch this gauge to determine the
pressure build up in the canner. This gauge
needs to be checked for accuracy about every other year.

The All American Canner has a gauge but use as a weighted
gauge canner. The dial is just an
indicator of approximate pressure build up.
The weights are what is used to determine when pressure is correct.

Metal Quality

The All American Canner is heavier. Will last forever! Some
very old All American Canners are still in use. Some people like the heavier weight…. It feels
solid. Some feel like it is too heavy to
handle easily.

The Presto is a lighter weight metal. It is still designed for pressure canning so
it is still safe.

Handle design

The handles on the Presto are awkward. I feel like they are designed poorly. The sturdy handle on the All American Canner
makes it very easy to move and lift.

Cost Value

The All American is more expensive. The quality is there so I do believe it is
worth the price.

Both canners are good canners. Pick one based on your personal preference
and learn to use it. Pressure canning is
fun and is a great way to fill your pantry.

Finding Your Way Around

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